Mechanical Inspector II

City of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Diego is seeking a Mechanical Inspector II to perform inspections of plumbing, gas, heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning (HVAC) systems in new buildings and renovations. The role includes reviewing plans, enforcing code compliance, and reporting findings across multi‑family, commercial, and industrial sites.

Candidates should have two years of relevant governmental inspections experience and any required degrees or substitutions outlined in the notes.

Qualifications

• Two years of full-time experience performing mechanical inspections for a governmental jurisdiction equivalent to Mechanical Inspector I.
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or substitution options described in notes.
• Experience reviewing/designing mechanical/plumbing plans for conformance with codes.
• Proficiency in inspecting mechanical/plumbing systems in new and renovated buildings.

Responsibilities

• Inspect mechanical, plumbing, gas, HVAC in new buildings and renovations.
• Review construction, repair, replacement plans and enforce compliance with codes.
• Prepare reports, notices, and maintain records; may assist training.

Skills

Mechanical inspections

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

4 years journey-level plumbing/HVAC experience

3 years mechanical/plumbing plan review experience

1 year plumbing/HVAC installation/repair + Bachelor's

Job description

See NOTE(S) below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities.

APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE FOLLOWING RELATED RECRUITMENT:

• Mechanical Inspector I

Mechanical Inspector II positions perform mechanical and plumbing inspections of plumbing, gas, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in new buildings, and repair or renovation work in existing buildings; inspect multi-family residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for compliance with local, state, and federal codes and regulations; review construction, repair, replacement, and installation plans; check field conformance and enforce compliance with approved plans and specifications; inspect sites for practicability of plans; prepare reports and maintain records; prepare correction notices; may assist in training; and perform other duties as assigned.

NOTES:

• Employees in job classifications represented by Municipal Employees Association (MEA) are scheduled to receive the following general wage increases:
  • 3.5% effective 7/1/27
  • 2% effective 7/1/28
  • 2% effective 1/1/29
• Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).

Mechanical Inspector II employees may be required to perform job-related work in high-rise structures.

EXPERIENCE

Two years of full‑time experience performing mechanical inspections with a governmental jurisdiction at a level equivalent to a Mechanical Inspector I with the City of San Diego (a position that performs mechanical and plumbing inspections of plumbing, gas, heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning (HVAC) systems in new buildings, and repair or renovation work in existing buildings).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

1. One year of full‑time experience performing general plumbing or heating, ventilating, air‑conditioning (HVAC) installation and repair work AND a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
2. Two years of full‑time professional experience with a governmental jurisdiction or a private company contracting with a governmental jurisdiction performing mechanical/plumbing inspections of multi‑family residential and/or commercial structures.
3. Three years of full‑time experience reviewing/designing mechanical/plumbing plans for conformance to mechanical/plumbing codes with a governmental jurisdiction or a private company contracting with a governmental jurisdiction.
4. Four years of full‑time experience performing all phases of journey‑level plumbing or heating, ventilating, air‑conditioning (HVAC), installation and repair work.

NOTES

• An Associate of Science Degree/Community College Certificate in Construction Inspection, Building Construction Technology, or Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (Environmental Control Technology) can be used to substitute one year of experience as detailed in option 2.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering can be used to substitute two years of experience as detailed in option 3.
• Completion of a state‑accredited four or five‑year Mechanical/Plumbing, or Air‑Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeship Program can be used to substitute three years of experience as detailed in option 4.
• Possession of a contractor's license is NOT qualifying as a substitution for a college degree or certificate.
• City of San Diego employees using Out‑of‑Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written documentation signed by their appointing authority or payroll specialist, detailing the work performed, dates, and total number of qualifying OCA hours. OCA experience without the required documentation will NOT be considered.

CERTIFICATION

A valid International Code Council (ICC) Mechanical or Plumbing Inspector certificate will be required within two years from date of hire.

LICENSE

A valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of hire.

• You must provide your own vehicle for which mileage will be reimbursed.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (MUST SUBMIT WITH APPLICATION)

• Proof of degree/transcripts, if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.
• Proof of certificate, if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.
• Proof of apprenticeship completion, if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.
• Proof of Out‑of‑Class Assignment (OCA), if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Employment offers are conditional pending the results of all screening processes applicable to this position, which may include the following: confirmation of citizenship or legal right to work in the United States; completion of a pre‑employment medical review and exam (which may include drug and alcohol testing); reference checks; and fingerprinting. Fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice for a conviction record report. Certain positions may require additional screening processes, including a polygraph examination and/or background investigation. All screening processes must be successfully completed before employment begins. A positive test result for alcohol, cannabis/marijuana, illegal drugs, or inadequately explained prescription drugs, or misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of pertinent facts in any step of the screening or selection process, may constitute cause for disqualification or termination of employment. Nothing in this job posting constitutes an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego. Candidates must notify the Personnel Department of any change in their name, mailing address, email address, or phone number, otherwise they may miss employment opportunities.

Rev. 8– September 25, 2026 (New Recruitment Date)